‘Use VHF radio’ plea after three rescued in sea drama

PEOPLE heading out to sea are being urged to take VHF radios with them after three people had to be rescued by lifeboat crews.

Volunteers from Newhaven’s RNLI lifeboat station were called out to help the trio who were stuck in shallow water near Seven Sisters National Park.

On Thursday last week the team headed out just before 5pm to a small pleasure boat which had suffered engine failure.

Newhaven’s Severn Class lifeboat ‘RNLB David and Elizabeth Acland’ left the harbour to head to the vessel which was close to shore at the popular tourist destination.

The three people on board had freed themselves from the rocks and were using paddles in the increasing surf to get into deeper waters.

A towline was quickly passed and they were transferred to the lifeboat, while a RNLI crew member boarded the pleasure boat. The trio were assessed and found to have no injuries and towed into the Newhaven Marina.

A spokesperson for Newhaven RNLI, James Day said, “Unfortunately this is another incident where a VHF radio has not been available on the vessel in distress.

“Mobile phones are not a reliable form of communication at sea and should not be solely relied upon.”